PORT
ELIZABETH, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA - TRAVEL GUIDE
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Port Elizabeth is
a great little coastal city with loads of great things to do, and a whole
host of fantastic attractions right on its doorstep. There are wonderful
beaches, good diving, excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing, and good surf.
There are sailing trips from
the harbour, as well as good whale watching. Among the many golf courses
is Humewood, which is regularly voted in the top five courses in South
Africa and is our only true links course. Visit to the St Croix Motor Museum
with over a hundred vintage cars. |
View
Map of Port Elizabeth
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Calabash
Tours, which offers enlightening cultural trips all around the city, was
one of the first South African companies to be FTTSA-accredited (Fair Trade
in Tourism - South Africa) so you can be assured that, as well as being
exposed to a different way of looking at the world, you'll be spending
your money wisely. Bit of a win-win, don't you think? If you're into
beautiful old buildings and history, you'll have a field day in PE. There
is a self-guided walk round the central part of the city taking in some
great old buildings and monuments but it's probably not a good idea to
walk it alone. Go in a reasonable sized group or just chicken out and drive
it. You could also do it as a guided trip, if you like. Among the interesting
things you'll see are an early 19th century settler home, the Victorian
Feather Market that was built during the ostrich feather boom, a beautiful
Victorian library, presided over by a statue of good old Queen Vic herself,
and a fascinating monument to Prester John - believed to be the only one
in the world. Well, that's not really surprising as the only people who
believed in his existence anyhow died out a few hundred years ago.
In case you didn't know,
Prester John was the mythical white ruler of a Christian republic 'somewhere
in Africa' that led the early Portuguese explorers to proceed with (relative)
confidence that they'd find a Christian, probably Catholic, ally on the
'dark continent'. There are also a host of museums in the city. But there's
more to Port Elizabeth than museums and memories. It's a great sun, sand
and sea destination, with lovely weather and a beach for every reason,
ranging from highly developed urban playgrounds to wild stretches of virtually
deserted strand, where you can walk for miles or go for a long canter on
the ocean's edge. While the surfing in the city is pretty good, it's nothing
compared to that of the nearby towns of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay.
There is an active mountain
biking community and a number of good mountain biking trails, including
one along a green belt that cuts right through the middle of the city,
and - a bit further afield - one in the Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve,
which is just awash with beautiful blossoms in spring. There is excellent
hang gliding and paragliding, scenic flights in a whole range of aircraft
and a dedicated flying school, where you can do a pilot's course at a pretty
reasonable price (when compared to some venues in the northern hemisphere,
anyway). There is some excellent game viewing within an hour's drive
of Port Elizabeth, the most notable being the Greater
Addo Elephant National Park, near the town of Addo, and Shamwari, halfway
between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown
and bordering on the town of Alicedale.
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Things to do in Port Elizabeth:
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Seaview
Game and Lion Park - Situated just 25 kilometres from the Port Elizabeth
beachfront and associated attractions, Seaview Game and Lion Park offers
a unique experience. Visitors can play with tame lion cubs varying in age
from four to nine months depending on the time of year. Along with this
rare interaction, guests can have a close-up viewing experience of wildlife
such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, jackals and wildebeest in their natural
habitat. Lynx, warthogs and meerkat live in large, individual enclosures
in the sanctuary area.
Enjoy lunch or afternoon
tea in the restaurant taking in the panoramic views of the wildlife to
the north and ocean to the south. Whales and dolphins can often be spotted
from this vantage point. From the restaurant there is an elevated boardwalk
where you can view the animals at close quarters.
Open daily 08:00 – 17:00
Lion feeding time is on
Sunday at 12:00
Tel: +27 (0) 41 378 1702 |
Bayworld
Snake Park - Fascinating but fearsome to some folk, reptiles are always
a hit with kids. The Bayworld Snake Park has been around since 1919 and
is home to numerous reptiles, many of which are indigenous to the Nelson
Mandela Bay area. The slithery and scaly collection includes the longest
species of snake in the world, the deadliest snake in Africa and a cunning
snake that pretends to be dead so as to avoid being attacked. There are
also some of the common species which you might find in your back garden
while staying in the Bay. Informative signs help you identify the snakes
so if you do happen to meet one of them, you’ll know whether it is dangerous
or not. Along with the amazing snakes, you will also be able to see lizards,
crocodiles, tortoises and terrapins.
Open 09:00 – 16:30 every
day of the year, except on Christmas Day, 25 December. |
Pollock
Beach - Summerstrand - Pollock Beach is yet another beautiful
Sunshine Coast beach that stretches from the Summerstrand lifesaving club
to the beacon at the bottom of Admiralty Way. Beachcombers will find numerous
shells walking along this wild shore. There are some good snorkelling spots
close to the Humewood golf course - rated one of South Africa’s Top 10
Golf courses. Pollock Beach is favourite for swimming, sunbathing
and body surfing. It also offers sheltered rock pools with interesting
inter-tidal sea life. Known locally by surfers as the "Pipe" because
of its excellent waves and surfing opportunities. It is the first place
to pick up swell and the last place to loose it. Pipe is a sand covered
reef that delivers a very descent left as well as a right. Along the beach
you will find a cyclist path and new walkway stretching from within the
dunes all the way to Hobie Beach and the Boardwalk. The Summerstrand
Village Shopping Centre with a Pick ‘n Pay family supermarket, several
restaurants, banks and gift shops is close by. |
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PORT
ELIZABETH BED & BREAKFASTS/GUEST HOUSES, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Africa
Beach Bed & Breakfast, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Africa
Beach B and B offers you a superbly comfortable accommodation to business
executives, tourists and holiday makers in the Summerstrand beachfront
area, within easy walking distance From all major beachfront attractions.
At Africa Beach you will discover a place to unwind in solitude or relax
in the company of others, whatever your desire. All bedrooms are serviced
daily and offers a private entrances, en-suite bathrooms, colour TV with
M-Net, Sport and German TV channel, telephones, free wireless ADSL Internet
access, fridges, complimentary tea and filter-coffee, fans/heaters. We
are within easy walking distance from Port Elizabeth's most popular beaches
3 minutes to Hobie Beach. |
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Bayside
Guest House, B&B/Self-Catering, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Bayside Guest House offers
a warm welcome and great hospitality. Upmarket, spacious and private accommodation
in a tranquil garden setting. Well appointed en-suite rooms have
sitting area, TV with M-net, bar fridges, heaters, fans and tea trays.
Selected units offer a self catering option. Generous breakfast are served
in the dining room. Walk to Pollock Beach, thatched poolside lapa.
Close to all major beach front attractions and the airport. Secure parking.
Airport Transfers. Credit cards accepted. Four star TGCSA and Portfolio
Accredited. |
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Beachwalk
B&B, Bed & Breakfast, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Located in the beachfront
suburb, Beachwalk offers 4-star comfort only 60M from popular beaches and
an easy 400m stroll to the Boardwalk Casino, Entertainment & Restaurant
complex. This heritage building has been stylishly renovated with
all rooms having en-suite bathrooms, private entrances & patios in
a peaceful garden with pool and separate secure parking. Rooms fitted with
TV & M-net, fridge, microwave, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone
and internet / ADSL data connection point. Beachwalk's location is
ideal for both tourist and businessman, providing a restful haven after
a day on the beach, exploring nearby game parks or unwinding after a busy
day at work. |
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Bishops
Inn Guest House, Humewood, PORT ELIZABETH
Situated opposite Kings
Beach, lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and near the world-renowned
water sport mecca of Hobie Beach, the Bishops Inn stands majestically overlooking
Algoa Bay - Port Elizabeth, South Africa, offering panoramic sea views
from its comfortable rooms & self-catering suites. The unique
design features fifteen sea-facing and nineteen non sea-facing rooms and
self-catering suites. The room comprises a bedroom
with double bed/two single beds and an en-suite shower/bath. There is a
remote controlled air conditioner, a television with Movie Magic and Super
Sport and tea/coffee making facilities. |
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Carslogie
House, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, PORT ELIZABETH
Carslogie House is the first
5 star graded B&B in Port Elizabeth, offering luxury beachfront accommodation
and 5 minutes drive to cricket stadium, airport and golf course.
Walking distance to main beaches and all beachfront attractions, including
excellent restaurants, Casino complex and Oceanarium. Superb beds
and linen in luxuriously decorated en-suite double rooms with private entrances
and patios, in a peaceful pool garden setting. Carslogie House with
its luxury furnishings and personal attention, ensures guests comfortable
accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere. Our rooms are nestled in a landscaped
garden setting with beautiful pool, each with their own private entrance.
Showers in all the bathrooms; TV - MNet and Satelite as well as sports
channels, Telephones, hairdryers, limited self catering with microwaves,
sinks, crockery, cutlery etc. |
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Kingfisher
Guest House, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Private settings, tranquil
surroundings and superb South African hospitality await you at Kingfisher
Guest House in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A short walk
will take you to beautiful beaches, the Boardwalk Casino, shops and restaurants,
with Golf, Diving, Yachting and Bay world Oceanarium and Snake Park only
minutes away. Kingfisher Guest House is in close proximity to all
major attractions; from sports grounds to exciting nightlife, and is the
ideal base for business or entertainment. All
units are en-suite and either double or twin units. |
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Splash
Guesthouse, Guest House, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Splash
is located at 53 Brighton Drive on the Port Elizabeth beachfront, one block
from the popular bathing beaches, within close walking distance to shops,
restaurants and the Boardwalk, and 5 minutes from the famous Humewood golf
links. In-room flat screen TV with DSTV, En-suite bathrooms, Mini-bar
fridge, WIFI internet access, Guest swimming pool and braai area. Guest
lounge with book library and large flat screen TV with DSTV. Lock-up parking
with remote control. |
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for more bed & breakfasts and guest houses in Port Elizabeth
PORT
ELIZABETH HOTELS, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS:
King's
Tide Boutique Hotel, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Located just a stone’s throw
from the beach front, in the well-known city of Port Elizabeth, King's
Tide Boutique Hotel combines friendly service with an elegant ambiance.
The guest rooms have a satellite TV, safety deposit box and desk. The private
bathroom has a bath or shower and free toiletries. Start the day with a
cooked breakfast. Afterwards you can relax in the patio area or enjoy a
swim in the pool. King's Tide Boutique Hotel offers free WiFi as well as
private parking. This is our guests' favorite part of Port Elizabeth, according
to independent reviews. We speak your language! |
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Protea
Hotel Marine, Self-Catering Hotel, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Overlooking the magnificent
Bay of Port Elizabeth and Millers Beach, the Protea Hotel Marine has become
renowned for its four star quality and service. The recently renovated
hotel boasts some of the most modern accommodation and conference facilities
in Port Elizabeth and indeed the Eastern Cape. Conveniently situated it
is within close proximity of the airport, city centre and the various business
hubs of Port Elizabeth. Whether on corporate business, a conference or
leisure, the Protea Hotel Marine caters for all your needs. From
the standard room to the superior loft apartments, the furnishings and
fittings will ensure that your stay is comfortable and unparalleled in
Port Elizabeth. Bedroom amenities include – en suite bathrooms, air
conditioning (cooling and heating), complimentary tea and coffee making
facilities, in room mini safes, fridges in each room, hair dryers, colour
TV with selected satellite channels, mini bars stocked on request. |
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Radisson
Blu Hotel, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth
Within 293 m of Port Elizabeth's
Hobie beach, this hotel features panoramic sea views, as well as state-of-the-art
spa facilities. Guests can unwind and relax in the Camelot Spa & Wellness
center which offers steam baths, flotation pools and massages. A modern
fitness center includes modern equipment . Guests can also enjoy a refreshing
swim in the outdoor pool. Offering panoramic views of Algoa Bay, the Radisson
Blu features contemporary guest rooms. Guests can watch a program on the
flat-screen TV or use the wireless internet. All 173 rooms feature individual
climate control and are decorated with soothing earthy tones. At the award-winning
restaurant, guests can sample classic delicacies with a twist. Seasonal
ingredients and luxurious design complete the atmosphere. |
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The
Kelway Hotel, Humewood, PORT ELIZABETH
Outstanding hospitality
and breathtaking views of Nelson Mandela Bay greet discerning visitors.
Set on the embankment next to Bayworld Oceanarium in Brookes Hill Drive.
Easy access to all major transport routes ensures us one of the best locations
in Port Elizabeth. Elegant in style the overall tone of the hotel
is warm & inviting with care given making guests as comfortable as
possible. The Kelway Hotel along the beach front in Port Elizabeth, South
Africa, the premier accommodation of choice. An affordable option
for the busy executive looking for value for money. Twin beds will suit
the business and leisure travelers wanting to share accommodation. The
crisp white linen contrast the rustic wooden finish of the rooms. On offer
are coffee and tea making facilities, DStv and individually controlled
air-conditioners, telephone and safe. |
More
hotels in Port Elizabeth
PORT
ELIZABETH SELF-CATERING/VACATION & HOLIDAY RENTAL ACCOMMODATION, EASTERN
CAPE
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10
on Cape, Self-Catering Apartments, PORT ELIZABETH
Located in Cape Road, Port
Elizabeth, close to the shopping centre, St Georges Cricket Ground, hospitals,
restaurants and all major attractions. 10 on Cape's apartments are suitable
for short or long term business stops, holidays, working groups, weekend
shopping in the City, sports groups, families or individuals just visiting.
12
Modern self-catering apartments, each apartment has a double sleeper couch
in the lounge (extra linen provided) allowing a maximum of four persons
per unit. Each apartment has a fully-equipped mahogany and granite kitchen
with stove and microwave. Television with DStv selected channels. Separate
study with internet access. |
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Bayside
Guest House, B&B/Self-Catering, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Bayside Guest House offers
a warm welcome and great hospitality. Upmarket, spacious and private accommodation
in a tranquil garden setting. Well appointed en-suite rooms have
sitting area, TV with M-net, bar fridges, heaters, fans and tea trays.
Selected units offer a self catering option. Generous breakfast are served
in the dining room. Walk to Pollock Beach, thatched poolside lapa.
Close to all major beach front attractions and the airport. Secure parking.
Airport Transfers. Credit cards accepted. Four star TGCSA and Portfolio
Accredited. |
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Jenvey
House Self-Catering Apartments, Summerstrand, PORT ELIZABETH
Located
in Port Elizabeth, 1 km from University of Port Elizabeth, Jenvey House
Selfcatering Apartments features a year-round outdoor pool and barbecue.
Boardwalk Casino is 3.1 km from the property. Free private parking is available
on site. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is 8 km from Jenvey House. Featuring
a patio, the accommodation features a dining area and a sitting area with
a satellite flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchenette, fitted with a
microwave and toaster. A refrigerator and kettle are also featured. There
is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer in each unit.
Towels are available. |
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